Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for separating products mounted on a common substrate, from each other, along (a) cutting line(s). The products each comprise one or more chips present on said substrate and connecting means connected thereto, the connecting ends remote from the chip of which are provided with solder balls bonded thereto. The products are clamped down on a supporting element by using a sub-atmospheric pressure, and the supporting element and a rotary cutting blade are moved relative to each other along the intended cutting line so as to cut through the substrate. A liquid is supplied at the location of said cutting line on either side of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for selectively electroplating apertured products. The products are masked in accordance with the intended plating and subsequently exposed to an electrolyte in order to electroplate the products. For masking purposes a fully closed photoresist layer is electrophoretically applied to the products, and after drying of the photoresist layer, the products are covered with a photomask in accordance with the locations to be plated, after which exposure takes place. Then the photoresist layer is partially removed, while the remaining part of the photoresist layer remains behind on the products, to serve as a mask for the metal products upon electroplating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for selective electroplating of metals on metal or metallized products in an elongated strip. Use is made of an apparatus in which an assembly of a masking belt and the product strip are guided along means for exposing the products to an electrolyte. Masking belt and product strip have been provided with holes distributed in a regular pattern over their respective lengths, while driving means are provided lengthwise transport masking belt and product strip. By means of proximity sensors, signals are obtained which indicate the position of the holes in the masking belt and product strip in positions which, related to the direction of travel of belt and strip are situated up stream and nearby the means for exposing the products to an electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus provided with resilient clamping means for clamping strip-shaped elements onto the endless belt, in such a manner that the strip-shaped elements can be led through one or more treatment baths. The resilient clamping means are each connected at one end to the endless belt, and abut with their other free clamping end against the belt under the influence of their own resilience. Near one loading and/or unloading station the apparatus comprises means for pushing the free clamping ends of the clamping means in a direction away from the belt.